Cattleya Sheath

[elitebettas]

Hi Guys,
Okay, I have a cattleya that has 6 psuedobulbs and a new lead starting on the most recent (and one in question). This one psuedobulb in particular, the one generating a new lead at the base, has a flower sheath but no buds in it. Recently i think i may have gotten some water in behind the darn sheath around the pseduobuld (not the flower sheath), It is gradually turning yellow now. I cut it slightly and wicked up as much water as i could, but didn't tear off the sheath totally since it isn't completely brown and dry yet.

When can i take away the sheath? If I do too early will this affect it's flowering? Will it even flower since it is already generating a new lead at its base?

Thanks
Chris

[Tobi]

Hi Chris,
Just from experience with my own Catts, I would leave the sheath alone. Just this winter I had 3 sheaths that turned brown on one of my Catts and I wasn't sure what to do. I cut the shealths down on 2 of them and when the buds started to develop they blasted on me. Not sure why. The one I let go until the buds opened it on it own produced 3 gorgeous flowers

[sandra]

We recently had this discussion. You'll find your answer in this following thread.

http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/gen...home-page.html

[prisana]

Hi Chris, You'll be amazed of what a yellowing flower sheath can yield. Sheath are there to protect the flowers, sometimes we cut them a bit to let the air in when the flower buds seem to have trouble pushing out of the sheath. If the sheath is cut when no flower buds are maturing inside, you'll expose the young buds to all kinds of things like water, bugs and so on. You don't see any buds forming yet, I'd leave it alone. I've had more success leaving the sheath alone than messing with it.

If the sheath dried up and falling apart, it probably won't make flowers. It could be that the plant is too young or there were some type of change or shock the plant was exposed to . Too much water tends to dry up the buds in the sheath in some cases, then there's insufficient light that results in plants failing to make flower. Keep us posted and good luck.

[kmarch]

I agree with the other comments. Leave the sheaths alone, don't cut them or anything even if dead looking. I had an orange Cattleya that didn't bloom for about 3 years then one year it bloomed off all the old growths all at once.

[elitebettas]

Hi guys,
Thanks so much for the quick replies, but i wasn't talking about the flower sheath, lol I was talking about the sheath around the stem. I guess i got alittle water in it and wanted to know if by me cutting it a bit and wicking the water out (to prevent rot and fungus) if that was going to be a detriment to the stem and or the flowers to be-or if it will even flower?
Thanks again

[prisana]

oh well...

[fred]

Quote=elitebettas]I was talking about the sheath around the stem.

we covered this a little while ago please see the link

http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/gen...home-page.html

[kmarch]

Ok, it looks like several of us, including me, could do better in reading posts more carefully.

I don't think you have anythign to worry about. I suspect you won't have to do anything for the plant's sake. You said you've wicked the water away so it is dry. Even if you hadn't I think it would be ok.

Orchids have these bracts for a purpose, to protect the growth (or in some case buds) forming inside of it. Typically the bracts die off when they are no longer needed. Based on your original post I think you understood this and are quite right to leave it until it is dead. It is possible that they yellowing of the sheath is just its normal dying off.

I do not think this will effect the blooming of the older growth or even the new growth when it matures.

[elitebettas]

Thanks so much, gives me a better peice of mind Also, is it just me or are paphs alittle scary? LOL, I just purchased my first one a week ago (Blood Clot X Hampshire Raven) in bud. Day by day it swells and opens alittle more. The hairy stem and petals...whoa, scary, but truly a testament to how mind bogglingly complex and beautiful nature can be.

[elitebettas]

WOW, this morning, as I do every morning, i walked to the window and saw that the Cattleya that has been in Sheath for ever, had a small shadow in it against the morning sun!! Amazing

[prisana]

That is most exciting ! Orchids have their ways of intriguing you , there are always good surprises and something different to see everyday, don't you think ? That's one of the main reasons I love orchids so much. Congrats on your buding sheath ...shouldn't be long now. Don't forget to post a pic when you get the flowers.

The sheath you are referring to is called a sarong. It protects the pseudobulb until it matures, then no longer needed, it dries up and looks sort of like onion skin. I groom mine from the bulb as they can often harbor insects.

[janet_a]

yeah, i pull mine off when they get yellow too.

"blood clot"? we want pictures!

[fred]

yes that would be nice if you could post some pics for us